DJ Sbu, Malaika lead celebrity outrage over xenophobic killings

DJ Sbu, Malaika lead celebrity outrage over xenophobic killings

WE APPRECIATE: Zimbabweans facing unrelenting attacks on the streets of Johannesburg would have been warmed by the sight of DJ Sbu leading protests on Monday, May 19, 2008

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By Showbiz Reporter

TOP South African celebrities have joined worldwide condemnation of random killings of foreigners on the streets of Johannesburg which police said had claimed 22 lives on Monday, and getting worse.

Tshedi Mholo, the lead singer from Afropop group Malaika, radio hotshot Sibusiso ‘DJ Sbu’ Leope and kwaito star Doc Shebeleza were among a host of celebrities marching through the streets of Johannesburg to express their outrage.

The week-long violence has targeted foreigners, mainly Zimbabweans, who have been driven out of their homes by organised mobs who have gone on to loot their property.

The South Africans accuse foreigners of taking up their jobs.

DJ Sbu said: "We must say no to the killings. The violence is ridiculous.”

The YFM presenter added: “We are young people getting together and showing concern about these attacks."

Doc Shebeleza said: “Violence is not the way to go if you have grievances. It’s just not right.”

The celebrities were joined by a few dozen ordinary South Africans who shared their revulsion at the attacks – some of them carried out using the most barbaric methods of execution. Three of the 22 dead were burnt alive. Some bled to death from stab wounds, while others were silenced through the barrel of a gun.

The marchers carried banners with messages like “Chris Hani Is Turning In His Grave”; “Strop Destroying Our Nation”; “Tambo Says No To Xenophobia”; “We Are One” and “Mandela is Saying No To The Killings”.

And writing on DJ Sbu's Facebook profile, a South African named Precious Makgaretsa made the following appeal to all South Africans: "Don’t look away. Do not pretend as if what is happening in the streets of our country has neither bearing nor implications to your life. And yes it is your responsibility as much as it is mine.

"As a Nation we are not above any one else and not everyone that enters our borders has malicious intent. Who protected AND harboured our leaders when they could not call their home a home? You may or may not have been part of the struggle but you can be part of this movement.

"Our Nation can not degenerate to medieval social systems! Speak up and say NO to Xenophobia!"
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